Big East football has long been plagued by perception problems, but the urgency of turning that around was underscored by two major issues Michael Aresco inherited when he became commissioner in August.

Not only was the Big East facing an uphill battle to retain major-conference status in the national conversation and new postseason format, but it was about to begin negotiations on a new television contract that would stabilize the league for the foreseeable future or sow more seeds of disarray.

Though neither item is settled yet, the Big East is in the midst of a timely surge at the halfway point of the season with three undefeated, nationally ranked teams and more evidence to support the league's longstanding contention that its football product is, at minimum, on par with the Atlantic Coast Conference.

"It's exactly what this conference needed," said Charlie Strong, whose No. 14-ranked Louisville Cardinals (6-0) are poised to battle No. 17 Rutgers (6-0) and No. 18 Cincinnati (5-0) for the league title. "We have been able to make a statement."

That statement comes at a crucial moment as the Big East's future TV rights are set to hit the open market, provided a deal isn't struck with ESPN before their negotiating window closes at the end of this month.

The Big East has long hoped to capitalize on being the last major college sports property up for bid in this cycle. Aresco, a former vice president at CBS Sports, believes its attractiveness has been enhanced by a strong non-conference performance this year, including Rutgers' win at Arkansas and Cincinnati's victory against Virginia Tech. He's also touting another good season by No. 22 Boise State (5-1), which will join next year.

"I think it's important because it reminds our media partners of the football we've had," Aresco said. "It's fortuitous it's happening now and the way it's happening, but it also gives them a sense that longer-term we're going to be a very good football league."

That's far from the doomsday scenario many predicted when West Virginia bolted for the Big 12 and Syracuse and Pittsburgh decided to join the ACC beginning in 2013. In addition to Boise State, San Diego State, Central Florida, Houston, Southern Methodist and Memphis will join next season and Navy in 2015. Aresco will soon find out how attractive that package is to TV networks.

"I've always maintained we have strong football but people haven't given it the credit it deserves," Aresco said. "To have these teams ranked where they are is great for us, no question about it. I'm very optimistic about our future."